[andersonclan]

I'm looking for some advice / information. I got a call from NZ this morning to say they want to arrange a video conference interview for Thursday evening - great news :P

I have camera, microphone, MS messenger software and broadband on the computer - so in theory should be able to do it from home - but have never been able to get it to work properly - only manager picture or sound but not both together and don't want to spend the interview worrying about technical issues.

Thought it would be best to hire somewhere with facilities and have found a place about 30 miles away. They're looking for £115 per our for the hire - does this sound right?

Those of you who have done a video conference interview - how did you do it? Home PC or hire a place and does this cost sound about right. NZ have said they will pay but don't want to shock them if this is totally outrageous.

Many thanks

A confused Margaret

[Hannah-NL]

Here's a website: http://www.eyenetwork.co.uk/cost.htm

[debnjohn]

Margaret,
what have they suggested at NZ end? I would ask for clarification.
John.

[andersonclan]

Hannah

Thanks for the link - the £115 doesn't seem that bad compared to what they're quoting.

John

The recruitment consultant in NZ range to say they wanted to arrange a video conference for Thursday evening - if my system worked we'd do that - otherwise they would pay for the hire. GIven the time difference I probably need to get something organised today so that NZ can link up with them by e-mail tonight / tomorrow.

Margaret

[Hannah-NL]

Margaret, since they are paying for it, can't they arrange it? ;)
Close to your town of course! :P

I have encountered similar problems with video conference on my computer as well, had to do with my firewall first,
Last time I tried it was in the router we use, which blocked all that stuff..
"We" put men on the moon and then we get blocked on our own computer :laugh

[clg]

You need to get a clarification from the other end on how they want to do it. There are simple PC based units like you talked about and more compicated setups with specialized hardware, that sounds like the 115 you are talking about.

The most important thing to keep in mind though is that both sides need to have the same equipment/software or it will not work.

Chris

[Jo and Andy]

Don't know about the technical side but good luck :hopeso

[andersonclan]

OMG :roll:

Who thought it could be so complicated!

I've booked a professional video conference and sent their e-mail details to NZ so they can work it out!

Me thinks it will be stressful enough doing the interview without worrying if the technology is going to work or not - especailly with my (extremely) limited IT knowledge.

Never done a V-C interview - had a couple on the ophone but they couldn't see me! Of course it is well known that the camera adds on half a stone - and that's my story and I'm sticking to it! ;)

[clg]

We do a lot of VTC's here. Since you don't have to worry about the technology two bits of advice. There is a little bit of a delay with the signals, it can be up to 2 seconds but normally is not that long, less than a second. You will get used to it quickly. Just expect it.

Make sure to look right at the camera, that makes it look like you are looking at them in the eye, particualry at the beginning when you are making that all important first impression.

Good luck!

[andersonclan]

Thanks for the advice clg - I'll be glad when it's over - I miht get a good nights sleep then! Altough they've now changed the time of the interview till 9.45pm (Uk time) so I hope I don't nod off in the interview or on the 45 minute drive home!

Well - needs must!

Margaret

[NW2NZ]

Is it tonight Margaret? Will be thinking of you and GOOD LUCK!!!!
Must admit that I don't envy you cos I absolutely hate having my photo taken and video :eek, oh god no! I think I'd be really tempted to hire a stand-in. That would be great!! You could prompt from the wings off camera :laugh. Now then, who would you hire as a stand-in, if you could chose anyone?

[andersonclan]

Interview will be tomorrow night UK time so :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso

The question of a stnd is a good one - would you go for someone with the looks or someone known for their intelligence - either would be an improvement of what they're getting!!

[Marie P]

hi ,

did it work ?

how did it go ?

best wishes Marie

[debnjohn]

Yes Margaret, tell us how you got on ?
Hope all went well.
John.

[NW2NZ]

Maybe she was so impressive, they've whisked her off for an audition for a part in War of the Worlds? :clap

[andersonclan]

Sorry it's taken so long to post - I was just shattered when I got home last night just before midnight after the interview and drive and have been in the office all day.

I felt that the interview had gone well - but wasn't too sure - it was a bit strange talking to a TV and had to ask them to repeat one or two things that I didn't hear properly, but the technology was really good and if anyone in Scotland is looking for video conference facilities I can thoroughly recommend Blue Square Offices - they were so helpful and accomodating.

Anyway thought I wouldn't hear till next week but got a call this lunchtime to say they loved me! :cool and they will be taking up my references as a next step :P So fingers and everything else crossed that we may be Wellington bound in the near future!

Thanks for all your help and support

Margaret

[Jules]

Well done Margaret :clap

Jules

[Hannah-NL]

:nice1 Will keep my fingers crossed for the outcome Margaret :yes

[Hannah-NL]

Any news here yet Margaret?

[andersonclan]

Hannah

Had a call from the recruitment agent this morning to say that she'd spoken to my references and everything had gone well and the report was going in Friday am, then moving to the next stage. I asked her what the next stage would be and she said she'd presume it would be a job offer :nice1 :smile

So fingers crossed she's right - can't wait to see it in writing - never count your chickens and all that!!

Margaret

[Hannah-NL]

Sounds good to me Margaret!
Will keep my fingers crossed for you as well :nice1